[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6497025,"mediaKeyId","5490063-e09e4c822a374f714c5fd766e494e2f2","parentId",5490063,"title","ZBA pauses review of 59‑unit Dalton River waterfront project; schedules site visit and continuation to Aug. 25","audioSeconds",7108,"startMs",4130000,"endMs",11238000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5490063-e09e4c822a374f714c5fd766e494e2f2&start=4130&end=11238","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5490063-e09e4c822a374f714c5fd766e494e2f2/thumbnail_4130000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6497025/Town-of-Braintree/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/ZBA-pauses-review-of-59unit-Dalton-River-waterfront-project-schedules-site-visit-and-continuation-to-Aug-25","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6497025-dd89472286773921d448610010b4e2bb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771048818&Signature=ELVvRXxsuIf8WiS2SuXQY4lypjPHwwm54Zg9JkNi-4emvEV53EmEu8dRzk8oBT2yEU4~ld83oeWjNs1MhNSHDUTkjnA48jswpPf7o~svxpOlm8B~wPM0dgT9G7w-R6QfjhENzWG0tybFGRebvzp4V-XUiLC0mgN-agQlE5ko-fXCx5xfbbQNAJfqps9rl6cH~l5r~mCflZsIyx1xioJ0De1xUY27OXct6YrsFh8L~8EjgP3kqgk3JbmwIv8AQlb2TssbVpTvU17a1vIGPTRxUbaeYSqLvzwZgbc-wInc1ILKLqwfGzSq6Uy2NPBwADtwp-mQtNf2Jl4HtkyxUVeBAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Braintree","date","2025-07-28T21:13:28Z","article","The Braintree Zoning Board of Appeals on July 28 declined to decide several variances requested for a proposed 59‑unit multifamily development at 1139–1151 Washington Street (the Dalton River site), instead voting to continue the public hearing to the board’s next regular meeting on Aug. 25 and to conduct a site visit in the meantime.

Mona River LLC submitted the application seeking relief from four zoning standards: permitted number of stories (counting a partially below‑grade parking level as a story), density (59 units on roughly 1.84 acres, or approximately 32 units per acre), parking (90 spaces proposed for 59 units, roughly a 1.5 parking ratio), and reduced open space per unit (the project proposes 42.5% open space, down from roughly 52% existing and well below the 2,000 sq. ft. per unit standard cited in the zoning bylaw).

Attorney Tom Kavanaugh presented the project and said the site is constrained by its proximity to the Manatequitt River, wetlands, and a large grade change; he and the applicant argued those conditions create the hardship that supports the requested variances. Architect Steve Young described the design choices: a recessed ground/podium parking level that appears partially below grade from some perspectives, a three‑bay garage and additional parking, 10% of units set aside as income‑restricted at or below 80% of Area Median Income, EV charging and solar on the roof, and wetland restoration and floodplain mitigation including approximately 10,000 cubic feet of compensatory flood storage.

Opposition at the hearing was broad: more than 30 residents and representatives spoke (or submitted letters). Neighbors and civic leaders — including the Dyer Hill Civic Association — raised concerns about density, parking spillover into residential streets, shadows on adjacent yards, traffic and queuing in South Braintree Square, neighborhood character, and strain on municipal services. Former ZBA chair Stephen Cowell and other long‑time residents urged the board to require the applicant to reduce unit count to a more neighborhood‑compatible scale. Supporters, including one resident who spoke in favor, said the site’s industrial use had harmed the riverfront and that remediation and new housing would generate tax revenue and reduced heavy‑truck traffic.

Board decision and next steps: After hearing the applicant and dozens of residents, the board voted to continue the hearing to Aug. 25 and requested a site visit. Counsel advised the board that the 100‑day statutory review period (triggered by the May 14 filing date) would require the applicant’s written consent to extend the review clock; the applicant agreed to provide a written extension to allow the Aug. 25 continuation and the site visit to occur. Staff will coordinate and post a site‑visit date and will accept supplemental materials for the record prior to the continued hearing.

Speakers and materials: Key proponents included attorney Tom Kavanaugh, architect/applicant Steve Young, and civil engineer Brad McKenzie. Scores of residents and civic leaders including Valine Weeks (Dyer Hill Civic Association), former ZBA chair Stephen Cowell, and others spoke or submitted letters. The Conservation Commission has been engaged informally; the applicants reported prior informal meetings and said they will work with conservation staff on mitigation plans.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Braintree ZBA meeting 7/28/25 7pm","oneSentenceSummary","The Zoning Board paused consideration of Mona River LLC’s application for a 59-unit, four‑variance multifamily project at 1139–1151 Washington St., citing high public interest and requests for a site visit; the applicant agreed to extend the review period to allow the board to continue the hearing on Aug. 25.","taxTitle","Town of Braintree , Norfolk County, Massachusetts","taxId",57175,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6497031,"ZBA denies variance to add fourth garage bay at 29 Grama Terrace",777,2882000,3659000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5490063-e09e4c822a374f714c5fd766e494e2f2&start=2882&end=3659","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5490063-e09e4c822a374f714c5fd766e494e2f2/thumbnail_2882000.jpg","/articles/6497031/Town-of-Braintree/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/ZBA-denies-variance-to-add-fourth-garage-bay-at-29-Grama-Terrace","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6497031-c0babd027ae90c2676ea0bd6501cb929/orig.mp4?Expires=1771048818&Signature=Z3gKGNl49eRrOUB3rWjr18tJ54gMDYYYiqFaDESHPz7odDNYjUnPzu5okfk6Axl9eHweRMPKk4rW7xNFkgXwbGnor0H3v7eVVLG7v3W1DtQkrMLyB8eUvicWKONsr~VgLPYIMErIOSSDVI5g0LnCYl51MXI1SF9aWSroV3~hibKM1S9M54YVI5NdBwBD3U4BDtR-ZVAGhaHUu2KvFuMwYFiDsDi9YVsPzza274o8WE8hRaiFLIAbyjr5DMuYAzbiUI-U36mHBvgiVk1YERCj2TI1NL~0dIx4lO8djuvToYXsotkXFxc~62QWz-h094AMi~-VpqtHJVNWetrkyvvGNQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On July 28 the Braintree Zoning Board of Appeals denied a petition to convert a 289-square-foot storage area into a fourth garage space at 29 Grama Terrace.

The legal notice identified the applicant as Ahmed Sarwat; a speaker at the hearing identified herself as Yamna of 29 Grama Terrace and said the conversion would serve a growing family. The application sought a variance (Ch. 135 §407, §102 and §603) because the bylaws limit attached garages to three spaces per lot.

Board members probed whether a statutory hardship related to the lot’s shape, soil or topography existed. Member Angela Kavanaugh noted that variances require a showing of substantial hardship tied to the parcel; several members expressed concern about setting precedent if the board granted a variance based on convenience. The board invited the applicant to withdraw if she wished to avoid a denial, but the applicant declined and asked the board to vote.

A motion to approve the variance was made and seconded, but the board recorded opposition and ultimately denied the variance. Counsel reminded the board that a denied variance cannot be resubmitted for two years unless materially different.

Outcome: Denial. The board recorded that the application did not meet the statutory standard for a variance. The record includes a letter of support for the applicant from a neighbor, but board members said the paperwork did not demonstrate the required hardship.","The Zoning Board denied a variance request to convert an existing 289-square-foot storage space into a fourth garage bay at 29 Grama Terrace after members concluded the application did not demonstrate the statutory hardship required for a variance.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6497037,"ZBA approves demolition and replacement of National Grid fleet garage at 36 Quincy Ave",1162,1712000,2874000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5490063-e09e4c822a374f714c5fd766e494e2f2&start=1712&end=2874","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5490063-e09e4c822a374f714c5fd766e494e2f2/thumbnail_1712000.jpg","/articles/6497037/Town-of-Braintree/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/ZBA-approves-demolition-and-replacement-of-National-Grid-fleet-garage-at-36-Quincy-Ave","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6497037-e4679b86e5caa2e717821c047eae9275/orig.mp4?Expires=1771048818&Signature=nnB3-bkAVdCv0fhy7jXPZyyUWwf~TQX-F2rt8tMQTvBFIIBEEc4n6vgLFDTh7geyGXxD9vjiTk9EEORKaHmJvcdlHimCwfF8mW8YMjg9rnn4kZF-1hdxXVEM0CrXz5fnFiAoagJfKkeCQIZ47eaPVrAupCb6JQZWsGDeXhJl6TqlVriLfQiQxuz1ugVaP7ImqdG-GB9X5m9ocmrs-2rE~GhaXQdBuqGuA1oLl8wtWSiS4Qe1N-~8QF8ihr1454vG40piummXRdwHboPYClXvLt4IybGGKAXJy2koa41IwzTt7XsHCo0yuboRDwB7QxC~ZOBSDaOr-R6CTgCsd~hePQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Braintree Zoning Board of Appeals on July 28 approved a petition from Boston Gas Company (doing business as National Grid) to demolish and reconstruct a fleet garage at 36 Quincy Ave.

The applicant’s design team, represented by architect Mark Mesh of Winter Street Architects and engineer Al Traichomis of Scitech Engineering, described an as‑remove‑and‑replace project that slightly enlarges the existing footprint and raises the vehicle clearance to accommodate larger modern trucks. The project will replace an aging garage, add accessible restrooms and an inspection bay meeting state requirements (a 40-foot inspection bay), and make modest increases in building coverage: the application notes coverage rising from about 3.9% to 4.2%.

Engineering staff and the applicant told the board they already had addressed conservation issues, noting the site abuts the Manatequitt River and that the applicant previously engaged the Conservation Commission and received a negative determination of applicability (with conditions). Civil engineer Brad McKenzie said the project will not expand into wetland resource areas, and that administrative site-plan review will follow.

Board discussion focused on the height and footprint changes needed to provide adequate truck clearance; members observed onsite trucks currently sit inches from the garage beams. No letters of opposition were filed and one resident spoke in support. After closing the public hearing, the ZBA found that the demolition and reconstruction, as presented, is “in harmony with the general purpose and intent” of the zoning bylaws and voted to approve the petition.

Practical details: The applicant said the new garage will provide three working bays (including a 40-foot inspection bay) to accommodate larger equipment and stated the fleet size will not increase at steady state; vehicles will be relocated temporarily during construction. The applicant also described planned masonry and façade repairs on the overall parcel and improvements along Quincy Avenue.

Speakers included architect Mark Mesh (Winter Street Architects), Al Traichomis (Scitech Engineering), Brad McKenzie (McKenzie Engineering Group), Chair Reina Rubin, members of the board and planning staff.","The Braintree ZBA approved Boston Gas/National Grid’s petition to demolish and rebuild a fleet garage at 36 Quincy Ave, finding the project in harmony with the zoning intent; applicant emphasized truck-height needs and said the project will include environmental and accessibility improvements.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6497041,"ZBA continues Beechwood Road deck case and schedules site visit after neighbor objections",834,842000,1676000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5490063-e09e4c822a374f714c5fd766e494e2f2&start=842&end=1676","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5490063-e09e4c822a374f714c5fd766e494e2f2/thumbnail_842000.jpg","/articles/6497041/Town-of-Braintree/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/ZBA-continues-Beechwood-Road-deck-case-and-schedules-site-visit-after-neighbor-objections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6497041-2d2b3cf581dd25f085edbc5cde68ad52/orig.mp4?Expires=1771048818&Signature=nIGlpU9s1Il5C~-kj7MUFUrY7govyta~ipuwNjqG1Mb5CfIys7OY406bAkf9ogZoHkjlBU-ZRIDW8qQjAG6Ykh0er-a9kZCHc6KHW4u-Ccv-PBj3H0HIrjypZoKnHW8flBNuWA6JqrGD1rEGDAU8C9JEGSZozXWSXIJema5T6-4ktePc4hhkQDLyXCrDPQl5Oqq8h5FHonTpaUDNLb57HwhDhoekczZgpNRRqhYjIsnDppkrtYc5QaEIwfnMOaA9WJylahjYXqmUEXNH2YaGEyzSKxDzVb76ZvuTFIEFgMDj6u66QsoXFZbEAlHPVGTfFy7zXx1WswtMPyqQsbq-6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Braintree Zoning Board of Appeals on July 28 continued the hearing on petition 251573 for a rear/side deck at 73 Beechwood Road and agreed to a site visit after a neighbor submitted a letter of opposition. The applicant, Logan Brown, said the deck provides needed access to the backyard and that retaining-wall constraints limit options.

The clerk read the legal notice: the applicant seeks a finding under the zoning ordinance (Ch. 135 §§403(a) and 701) because the addition and deck encroach on a western side-yard setback to 0.3 feet where 10 feet is required. A neighbor letter noted the deck was too close and reported items falling onto their property from wind. The applicant explained the lot has a large grade change and an existing retaining wall that prevents lowering the deck.

Board members expressed concern about the deck’s proximity to the property line and agreed a site visit would help the panel evaluate the safety and sight-line issues. Staff recommended a site visit, noting the neighbor indicated an approximately 6-foot fence and other relevant field conditions.

Outcome: The board voted to continue the public hearing to the August 25 meeting and to schedule a site visit. The applicant consented to a written extension to permit the continuance.

Speakers included board members Reina Rubin, Jose Perez, Angela Kavanaugh and Tom Cleaver; applicant Logan Brown (with Christie Goodman); and planning staff. The matter remains under review pending the site visit and additional review by staff.","The ZBA continued review of a built deck at 73 Beechwood Road after a neighbor objected to its proximity to the property line; the board agreed to a site visit and continued the hearing to Aug. 25 with the applicant’s consent to an extension.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6497046,"Zoning board approves small rear-yard addition at 92 Celia Road",191,640000,831000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5490063-e09e4c822a374f714c5fd766e494e2f2&start=640&end=831","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5490063-e09e4c822a374f714c5fd766e494e2f2/thumbnail_640000.jpg","/articles/6497046/Town-of-Braintree/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Zoning-board-approves-small-rear-yard-addition-at-92-Celia-Road","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6497046-ad83d6d6a390cfcf8471602f67948919/orig.mp4?Expires=1771048818&Signature=iOfw5DJc2tjvltX2fwVdbYdz0mMCPaJmiYhIt7wXd2gUbMxjTRnux7pJehd7SUq8WqhQ6r5FQph7uit1bK-7SxNHWzwwuWCj0k0PPES3M~1BGKxk8rE0KxvYh4XPS0stwwgAByE9xIPDNIrBtKfZyqYy-wejTYeko7Jmsz4yBlTmy8tKXTpgPhYLOqwDNvDN3Nme4RIWVRLgPFkilHeSjtn2RzaxAytRHa8Sg4PIPn5kxZ8nj4tT~rDO6zZVc5YxYIXB8WudVfNzur0mMoawxtBrj8IKey1aWgIhQ8wtiK1pOKOtdwOF7977ViTBK1XT2yNo3RfHp~BG7zlBBB6KIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Braintree Zoning Board of Appeals on July 28 voted to approve a finding allowing a 272-square-foot single-story rear addition to a preexisting nonconforming single-family dwelling at 92 Celia Road.

The applicant, Dimitris Stavropoulos, told the board the addition would “give value to the house and much needed space for my family.” The board heard no public comment and staff recommended approval with conditions. Chair Reina Rubin called for a motion, and the board voted to approve the petition.

The filing cited relief under the Braintree Zoning Ordinance (Ch. 135 §§403(a) and 701) because the proposed addition will be within the existing rear yard setback. The application states the proposed addition would sit at 15.1 to 16.6 feet from the rear property line where 30 feet is required; the existing structure sits about 5.1 feet into the setback. The board applied the standard for a finding and concluded the addition is “in harmony and not detrimental to the neighborhood,” as recorded in the motion.

Outcome and next steps: The board approved the finding. Staff will issue the related decision and the applicant must meet any conditions noted by staff before a building permit may be issued.

Speakers at the hearing included Chair Reina Rubin, Vice Chair Jose Perez, Clerk Angela Kavanaugh, Alternate Tom Cleaver, applicant Dimitris Stavropoulos, and planning staff.","The Braintree Zoning Board of Appeals granted a finding allowing a 272-square-foot single-story rear addition to a preexisting nonconforming single-family home at 92 Celia Road.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

ZBA pauses review of 59‑unit Dalton River waterfront project; schedules site visit and continuation to Aug. 25

ZBA denies variance to add fourth garage bay at 29 Grama Terrace

ZBA approves demolition and replacement of National Grid fleet garage at 36 Quincy Ave

ZBA continues Beechwood Road deck case and schedules site visit after neighbor objections

Zoning board approves small rear-yard addition at 92 Celia Road